Find information on the legal responsibilities and rights of renters and property owners.

If you are looking for help with a legal problem, contact a legal assistance organization.

General

• It is illegal to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing, including against individuals seeking a mortgage or housing assistance, or in other housing-related activities. Learn more.
  • Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) organizations may be able to speak to a housing provider on your behalf; investigate, including testing, to help determine if you experienced discrimination; and provide you with assistance.
  • If you believe your rights may have been violated or are a victim of housing discrimination, we encourage you to submit a complaint.
  • Because there are time limits on when a complaint can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should submit a complaint as soon as possible.
  • You may file a complaint online, call us toll-free at (800) 669-9777 or (800) 877-8339 (TTY), or email ComplaintsOffice05@hud.gov.
• Housing & Apartment Information and Resources (340+ articles on Eviction; Leasing or renting a home; Foreclosure; Owning or buying a home; Utilities; Security deposits; Section 8 Vouchers and public housing; Housing discrimination; Housing repairs; and other issues)
• Housing Action Illinois
• Access Living or (800) 613-8549 / (888) 243-7003 (Toll Free TTY): A center of service, advocacy, and social change for people with disabilities.
• National Housing Law Project

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

• Illinois Attorney General
  • Illinois Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws
• Illinois State Bar Association Guide to Landlord-Tenant Law
• Illinois Department of Children & Family Services: Housing Rights and Responsibilities
• Illinois Housing Handbook

Resources in Chicago

• Chicago Renters’ Rights Hotline at (312) 742-7368: Information and assistance on legal responsibilities and rights of renters and property owners.
  • Know Your Rights: Eviction and Lockout Resources
• Chicago Housing Showcase: Resources and information on programs and opportunities for Chicago homeowners, property owners and renters.
• Chicago Department of Housing or (312) 744-4190
• Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance
• Rentervention Chat Bot or text “hi” to 866-7RENTER (866-773-6837): Free and confidential help with legal advice, tenant-landlord issues, and community resources.
• Metropolitan Tenants Organization or 773-292-4988 (Tenants Rights Hotline)
• Center for Conflict Resolution or (312) 922-6464: Free landlord-tenant mediation.
• Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance or (872) 228-7844

Need Help?

• If you believe your rights may have been violated or are a victim of housing discrimination, we encourage you to submit a complaint. Because there are time limits on when a complaint can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should submit a complaint as soon as possible. You may file a complaint online, call us toll-free at (800) 669-9777 or (800) 877-8339, or email ComplaintsOffice05@hud.gov.
• Contact a housing counseling agency
  • HUD sponsors housing counselors that can provide free or low-cost advice for wherever you are in the housing process.
  • They can offer independent advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures, credit issues, reverse mortgages, and other issues.
  • Search online for a HUD-approved housing counseling agency by zip code here or call HUD's interactive voice system at (800) 569-4287.